More than a concert, the Anderson Big Band celebration became a gathering of joyful music, dancing, and community in downtown Buffalo.
There are moments when you know something special is happening.
Not because of the stage.
But because you look around and see people smiling, dancing, laughing, and sharing an experience – together.
That was Sunday.
The opening celebration of Summer of Jazz 2026 transformed Ellicott Street into something truly special—a place where music brought families, friends, neighbors, and visitors together for an afternoon of joy.
The vision was simple:
Create a place where people gather around jazz music and the celebration of the Great American Songbook.
Not simply for a concert.
For an experience.
And as the first notes of the Anderson Big Band filled the street, that vision came to life.
See the joy, the dancing, and the smiles from Sunday by Jack Zuff. Band pictures at the end!
An 18-piece big band brought the timeless energy of swing and the Great American Songbook to downtown Buffalo, co-led by acclaimed drummer, arranger, and JazzBuffalo Poll Jazz Artist of the Year John Anderson and Baritone saxophonist and perennial JazzBuffalo Poll winner Laura Anderson.
The extraordinary musicianship of the band, combined with the captivating vocals of Kathy Carr and Zach Carr, created the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon built around people coming together.
But the most memorable part of the day was not only what happened on stage.
It was what happened around it.
People danced – thank you to SwingBuffalo!
People smiled.
People gathered.
A street became a dance floor.
Tables became places for conversation and laughter.
Strangers became friends.
Families created memories together.
That is the true power of live music.
It gives us a reason to slow down.
A reason to gather.
A reason to share a moment – together.
A special thank you to Jack Zuff, whose incredible photography captured the spirit of the day—the joy, the dancing, and the people who made Summer of Jazz what it was meant to be.
Thank you as well to Tappo Restaurant for creating a wonderful food experience and helping bring the vision of an outdoor jazz café to life.
And most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us.
You made this day special.
Summer of Jazz continues throughout the summer with five more musical journeys—from Paris to Latin rhythms, from the timeless songs inspired by Andrea Bocelli to New Orleans and finally Brazil.
The music continues.
The gatherings continue.
The memories continue.
Because every great city needs places where people gather.
And on Sunday, Ellicott Street became one of those places.
Jazz is joy.
JazzBuffalo: Where Buffalo Gathers for Jazz.
(Enjoy pictures by Jack Zuff of the fabulous 18-piece The Anderson Big Band!)
